Which demographic theory suggests that population growth is linked to overall levels of economic development and that every society follows a typical pattern of development-related population growth?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → The Theory of Demographic Transition
Option (1) The Malthusian Theory of Population Growth — Incorrect. Malthus argued that population grows faster than the means of subsistence (food), so it is kept in check by famine and disease or by limiting births. His theory sees growth as a threat to prosperity, not as a pattern that follows development.
Option (2) The Theory of Demographic Transition — Correct. This theory links population growth to the level of economic development. Every society passes through three stages: low growth when both birth and death rates are high, rapid growth when death rates fall but birth rates stay high, and low growth again when both are low in a developed society.
Option (3) Theory of Age Structure of the Population — Incorrect. Age structure is a concept, not a theory of growth: it is the proportion of people in different age groups. It changes with development, but it does not describe a pattern of population growth.
Option (4) Theory of Population Growth in India — Incorrect. There is no such theory.
NCERT (2025-26): “The Theory of Demographic Transition … Another significant theory in demography is the theory of demographic transition. This suggests that population growth is linked to overall levels of economic development and that every society follows a typical pattern of development-related population growth. There are three basic stages of population growth.…” |